Label: Document Records.
Release Date: 1991.
Recording Time: 76 minutes.
Recording Date: November 8, 1937 - May 22, 1940.
Release Info: Compilation (BDCD-6024) Studio Recording.
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Country Blues, Piedmont Blues, Pre-War Country Blues, Regional Blues.
Lonnie Johnson was off records for five years during 1932-1937, working in Cleveland with Putney Dandridge, appearing on the radio, and working outside of music. In 1937, he moved to Chicago, where he returned to full-time music and began recording regularly for the Decca label. Three Document CDs cover his work of 1937-1947. This CD features Johnson as a solo blues performer (showcasing his guitar on instrumental versions of "Swing Out Rhythm" and "Got the Blues for the West End") and singing such numbers as "Flood Water Blues," "Devil's Got the Blues," and "Blue Ghost Blues." Some numbers have Johnson joined by either Roosevelt Sykes or Joshua Altheimer on piano along with a few unknown musicians. Rarely reissued, these performances are consistently excellent. ~ Scott Yanow
Credits: Joshua Altheimer - piano; Alfred Elkins - bass; Lonnie Johnson - composer, guitar, guitar (rhythm), primary artist, vocals; Johnny Parth - compilation producer, producer; Chris Smith - liner notes; Rudi Steager - executive producer; Roosevelt Sykes - guest artist, piano.
Tracks: 1. Man Killing Broad; 2. Hard Times Ain't Gone Nowhere; 3. Flood Water Blues; 4. It Ain't What You Usta Be; 5. Swing Out Rhythm; 6. Got The Blues For The West End; 7. Something's Fishy; 8. I`m Nuts Over You (But You Just A Teaser); 9. Friendless And Blue; 10. Devil's Got The Blues; 11. I Ain't Gonna Be Your Fool; 12. Mr. Johnson Swing; 13. New Falling Rain Blues; 14. Laplegged Drunk Again; 15. Blue Ghost Blues; 16. South Bound Backwater; 17. Why Women Go Wrong; 18. She's Only A Woman; 19. She's My Mary; 20. Nothing But A Rat; 21. Trust Your Husband; 22. Jersey Belle Blues; 23. The Loveless Love; 24. Four-O-Three Blues; 25. Be Careful; 26. I'm Just Dumb; 27. Don't Be No Fool.